Yaniv Perets never looks at his stats. It’s a superstition that the goaltender developed during his hockey career. With his excellent performances since the start of the season, he should continue this habit.
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The Dollard-des-Ormeaux-raised Quebecer is having an exceptional season with the Quinnipiac University Bobcats in the NCAA Premier League.
In his second full collegiate season, he is 24-3-3 with 1.61 goals against average and a .926 save percentage. He is first in the NCAA on average and winning percentage.
A performance that is a copy-and-paste of his final season. “I don’t look at my statistics,” explained Yaniv Perets. Every season is different. I take it one day at a time and focus on constantly improving.
“I always stay in the present moment. If you start thinking too much, it can play tricks on you. »
The recipe for success? A mix of positivity, technical ability and team effort. “I try to stay on my skates longer. I also work on my skating and other technical aspects. My goal is to reach the next level.
“I also have the privilege of having an excellent team in front of me. »
His stats are so impressive he could dream of a nomination for the Mike Richter Award for NCAA’s Best Goaltender. He could compete with another Quebec goalkeeper, Devon Levi. It would be quite an achievement.
Ignored by the NHL
The 22-year-old goalie was not drafted by the NHL. Not even in the QMJHL. Did it influence Perets in his development? Not really.
“I’ve always wanted to go down the American collegiate route,” said the six-foot-tall, 180-pound goaltender. Like any player, I would have liked to have been drafted by an NHL team.
“It is a source of daily motivation. On the other hand, my dream, drafted or not, is a career in the NHL. It makes no difference to me.
“I will motivate myself one way or another. It’s a long-term process. I will always work hard to reach my goal. »
One day at a time
If he keeps playing like this, he’ll be able to convince the Bettman Tour managers and scouts to give him a chance.
“I don’t really talk to teams. I go one day at a time. I don’t control what happens outside of the arena. I’m focused on my game and trying to enjoy my time in the NCAA. »
With the best team in the USA
Yaniv Perets’ stellar stats are directly linked to the success of his team, the Quinnipiac University Bobcats.
Since the beginning of the season, they have been flirting with first place on the NCAA rankings.
As of this writing, the Rand Pecknold-led lineup sits first with a 24-3-3 record. After reaching the Frozen Four finals last year, the goals for Bobcats players are still very high.
“We want to win all the tournaments and championships we participate in,” said Yaniv Perets. We also want to win the series and of course the Frozen Four.
“We have high expectations because we know we can achieve great things. »
Trust
The Bobcats are in the spotlight. Your performances will be watched by other teams and NCAA observers.
One might think that the pressure is on the shoulders of the team players. That’s not the case. But on the contrary.
“We don’t feel any additional pressure. This is where we’ve wanted to be since the start of the season. It’s a privilege to be the first.
“Regardless of where we are, we know we’re one of the good teams. We know what we can do. We want to be at the top and finish first.
“We want to be competitive every time we step on the ice. »
Simple recipe
The Bobcats didn’t revolutionize hockey with their game system, but they do have ingredients that have stood the test of time.
“Our great strength is our daily commitment,” said Perets. We’re picky about details in all aspects of our games. Everyone knows what to do in every situation.
“Defensively they are so dedicated. I’ve lost count of how many shots they save in front of me during our games. We form a balanced team both in attack and in defence.
“The most important thing is that everyone buys the coaching system. »